20 Best Street Foods to Try in Mexico City

20 Best Street Foods to Try in Mexico City

Mexico City is a paradise for food lovers, with a vibrant street food culture that reflects the country’s rich culinary heritage. From sizzling taco stands and traditional neighbourhood markets to sweet street-side treats, the city’s food scene offers something for every palate.

Whether you’re exploring the historic centre, wandering through local neighbourhoods or looking for a quick bite between sightseeing stops, these 20 must-try street foods in Mexico City offer a delicious introduction to authentic Mexican cuisine.

1. Tacos al Pastor

One of Mexico City’s most iconic street foods, Tacos al Pastor are famous for their distinctive flavour and signature pineapple topping. Inspired by Lebanese shawarma, the meat is traditionally cooked on a vertical spit and thinly sliced into warm corn tortillas.

Served with pineapple, onion, coriander and salsa, these tacos are especially popular at late-night taco stands across the city.

2. Tacos de Suadero

A local favourite, Tacos de Suadero are known for their tender texture and rich, savoury flavour. Made with beef cooked slowly until soft and juicy, they are typically served in small corn tortillas.

You’ll find them at traditional taco stalls throughout Mexico City, often topped with fresh coriander, onion, lime and salsa.

3. Tacos de Canasta

Also known as basket tacos, Tacos de Canasta are a popular breakfast snack sold by street vendors, often from bicycles or food stalls near busy streets and markets.

These soft, steamed tacos are usually filled with ingredients such as potatoes, beans, chicharrón or refried beans. They are traditionally kept warm in covered baskets until ready to serve.

4. Tacos de Guisado

A popular lunchtime choice, Tacos de Guisado are filled with traditional Mexican home-style stews and freshly prepared dishes.

Common fillings include chicken in mole sauce, potatoes with chorizo, shredded beef and vegetables. They are particularly popular at neighbourhood food stalls, where you can choose from several freshly prepared fillings.

5. Quesadillas

A staple of Mexico City’s street food scene, quesadillas are made using corn tortillas folded around a variety of delicious fillings.

Popular options include mushrooms, cheese, squash blossoms and huitlacoche (corn fungus). They are usually cooked on a hot griddle and served with salsa, making them a satisfying snack at local markets and street food stalls.

6. Tlacoyos

These traditional oval-shaped snacks have deep roots in central Mexican cuisine. Tlacoyos are made from thick, oval-shaped masa dough, usually stuffed with beans, fava beans or requesón (a type of fresh cheese).

They are typically cooked on a griddle and topped with cactus paddles (nopales), cheese, salsa and fresh coriander. You’ll often find them freshly prepared at traditional markets.

7. Huaraches

Named after traditional Mexican sandals because of their distinctive shape, huaraches are a filling street food favourite.

Made from an elongated base of masa, they are commonly topped with beans, meat, cheese, lettuce, salsa and cream. Their generous toppings make them a satisfying meal, particularly at traditional food stalls.

8. Sopes

A popular Mexican snack, sopes are recognised by their thick corn masa base and distinctive raised edges.

The base is topped with refried beans, lettuce, cheese, cream, salsa and sometimes meat. Their combination of textures and flavours makes them a popular choice at neighbourhood markets and street food stalls.

9. Gorditas

Gorditas are widely enjoyed across Mexico and are known for their thick, soft masa shells and variety of savoury fillings.

They are often stuffed with ingredients such as shredded meat, beans, cheese or chicharrón. Depending on the region and cooking style, gorditas may be grilled or fried before being filled and served hot.

10. Tamales

With a history dating back to pre-Hispanic Mesoamerica, tamales remain one of Mexico City’s most popular breakfast foods.

Made from masa dough wrapped in corn husks or banana leaves and steamed until soft, they come with both savoury and sweet fillings. Popular varieties include chicken with green salsa, mole and sweet tamales.

They are commonly enjoyed with a warm cup of atole, a traditional corn-based drink.

11. Guajolota (Torta de Tamal)

Also known as a torta de tamal, Guajolota is one of Mexico City’s most distinctive breakfast favourites.

It consists of a freshly steamed tamal placed inside a soft bread roll, creating a filling and convenient breakfast sandwich. Popular among locals during their morning commute, it is often enjoyed with a cup of atole.

12. Elotes

A classic Mexican street snack, elotes are whole corn cobs served on a stick and topped with a delicious combination of mayonnaise, cheese, chilli powder and lime.

They are especially popular in public squares, parks and neighbourhood streets. The combination of sweet corn, creamy toppings and tangy lime makes them a must-try street food.

13. Esquites

Think of esquites as the cup version of elotes. Esquites consist of cooked corn kernels served in a cup with ingredients such as mayonnaise, cheese, chilli, lime and sometimes epazote.

A popular evening snack, they are commonly sold by street vendors throughout Mexico City and are perfect for enjoying while exploring the city’s streets.

14. Tostadas

Tostadas are crispy, flat corn tortillas topped with a variety of savoury ingredients.

Popular toppings include shredded chicken, seafood, beans, lettuce, avocado, cream and salsa. Their crunchy texture and generous toppings make them a familiar favourite at traditional Mexican markets.

15. Torta de Milanesa

This classic Mexican sandwich is a favourite for a quick and filling lunch. Torta de Milanesa features a breaded and fried meat cutlet served inside a soft Mexican bread roll.

It is commonly accompanied by avocado, tomato, onion, lettuce, beans, cheese and spicy salsa. You’ll find it at local sandwich shops and street-side food stalls across the city.

16. Chilaquiles

A traditional Mexican breakfast favourite, chilaquiles are made with lightly fried tortilla pieces simmered in green or red salsa.

They are commonly topped with cream, cheese, onion and fresh coriander, and may be served with eggs, chicken or shredded meat. Their rich salsa flavours make them a popular breakfast choice at local eateries.

17. Barbacoa Tacos

Especially popular during weekend breakfasts, Barbacoa Tacos are a traditional favourite at local markets and specialised taco stalls.

The meat, traditionally lamb or goat in central Mexico, is slow-cooked until incredibly tender. Served in warm corn tortillas with onion, coriander, lime and salsa, these tacos are particularly popular on weekend mornings.

18. Carnitas Tacos

Originally associated with the Mexican state of Michoacán, Carnitas Tacos are now widely enjoyed throughout Mexico City.

Carnitas are made by slowly cooking pork until tender, with some pieces becoming deliciously crispy. Served in corn tortillas with onion, coriander, lime and salsa, they are a favourite at traditional taco stands.

19. Churros

For those with a sweet tooth, churros are one of Mexico City’s most popular street desserts.

These deep-fried dough pastries are coated in sugar and often cinnamon, creating a crispy exterior and soft interior. They are especially delicious when paired with traditional Mexican hot chocolate.

20. Marquesitas

Originally from the Yucatán Peninsula, marquesitas have become a popular street dessert in Mexico City.

These crispy, rolled crepe-like treats are traditionally filled with Edam cheese and sweet ingredients such as Nutella, caramel or condensed milk. Their distinctive combination of sweet and savoury flavours makes them stand out from other Mexican desserts.

Experience Mexico City Through Its Street Food

Exploring Mexico City’s street food scene is one of the best ways to experience its local culture, traditions and culinary heritage. From the irresistible flavours of Tacos al Pastor to the crispy sweetness of churros and marquesitas, every dish offers a taste of what makes Mexican cuisine so special.

Don’t just visit Mexico City – taste it! Make time to explore its neighbourhood food stalls, traditional markets and busy taco stands for an authentic culinary experience.